Dallas DUI Lawyer, MIP Attorney

As in every other area of the law, there are differences between how minors and adults are treated. In cases involving alcohol, this is no exception. For starters, the way people are defined is changed. In most areas, an adult is anyone that is 18 years or older. Here, an adult is anyone that is 21 years or older.

There are four main charges that are levied against minors where alcohol is involved. These are:

• DUI
• Minor in possession of alcohol (MIP)
• Minor in consumption of alcohol (MIC)
• Public Intoxication (PI)

Gone are the days when an officer will make a minor pour out their beverage of choice. Now, the offense results in a ticket. Every college student in the state knows the initials, as well as many high school students.

These policies, and their penalties, reflect the desire of the Texas Legislature to educate minors about issues relating to alcohol rather than penalize them, which is the case for adults. The policies are also a reflection of the Zero Tolerance policy that the state of Texas has adopted to curb abuse of alcohol by minors.

If you or someone you know has faced any of these charges, or if you simply have questions, contact Dallas DUI lawyer Mark T. Lassiter.